Victoria Woodley, the Managing Director of Private Label by G, has an extensive background in bridal, having worked in the industry since she was only 16 years old. As a family-orientated woman, Victoria takes inspiration from her mother and attributes her success to those who have supported her.

Can you tell us about your personal background?

I am a mum of two boys, and I have a large family that I love spending time with. Also, I’ll be celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary this October.

Where did your long career in bridal start?

I started in a Berkertex when I was 16 years old, that’s 26 years ago now!

When I was 20, I was lucky enough to move to wholesale. First, I worked for the fabulous Rena Koh in Edinburgh. After about five years of doing this, I moved home and joined the JLM team. In May 2011, after eight years at JLM, I launched Kenneth Winston.

Read Gill Harvey’s Wonder Woman Wednesday profile to find out about this designer’s interesting route into bridal.

What are your secrets to success?

I think my success is down to four key factors: I really enjoy what I do, I have good people around me (from my family to my work colleagues and in the past) and I have worked for fantastic companies within the industry who have supported my growth and still continue to help me learn.

Finally, I think gaining people’s trust is really important, and I like to think I am building a reputation as a wholesaler that delivers what is promised.

Read more: Five Suppliers Share their Relationships with Stockists

What’s your greatest achievement so far?

Professionally, it would have to be launching Kenneth Winston and building the company from nothing, up to what it is today. Needless to say, I’ve had a lot of help and support from both my team and my fellow bridal buddies; I couldn’t have achieved what I have today without them.

My biggest personal achievements are definitely getting married and having my boys.

Who’s your greatest female inspiration?

My mum, without a doubt.

Mum’s a mother to six and has bought us up pretty much by herself. She is the strongest, most compassionate and loving woman I have ever met. Everything my mum has done, she’s completed with determination and a strength that truly inspires me.

What’s your favourite part of your job?

Talking! I love talking to my team, our stores and my industry friends. The shows are great to catch up with our extended team of agents throughout Europe and actually have a conversation face-to-face, rather than over the phone.

I also enjoy visiting stores, meeting the girls on the shop floor and telling them all the fantastic things about Kenneth Winston.

Besides talking, I love seeing the new collections hanging on the rail for the first time; even after 26 years, is one of my favourite things about my job.

 

Don’t miss your opportunity to attend the world-leading fashion event this March; make sure you register to London Bridal Fashion Week now.

What can we expect from Kenneth Winston at London Bridal Fashion Week 2019?

Creating something different has been the main focus of Kenneth Winston’s this season.

Read more: London Bridal Week has rebranded as London Bridal Fashion Week

We wanted to create a collection that showcased unique laces and embellishments whilst staying true to what a wedding dress should be. For example, we’ve taken different laces and beadwork from other parts of fashion and incorporated these into bridal

Catch Bridal Buyer’s interview with Katie Dell, who will be exhibiting in London Bridal Fashion Week’s Ones to Watch section.

Can you tell us five interesting facts about yourself?

• I am only just learning to cook- My husband has done it all up until now!
• I danced tap, modern and classical ballet until I was 19 and travelled around the world on tours as part of a non-professional touring company. I still have my tap shoes.
• I looked after twin girls for six months when I was nannying in the USA.
• I am very competitive, it probably has something to do with the fact I grew up with four sisters and a brother.
• I can be easily led and will do pretty much anything for a Cadbury Dairy Milk Daim bar...

Don’t miss our previous Wonder Woman Wednesday star Christine Dando, who will be showcasing her designs at London Bridal Fashion Week.